THERE is some historical discrepancy as to the origin of the tuxedo. Some accounts attribute the tux to Edward Albert, Prince of Wales, who commissioned a short smoking jacket from Savile Row founder Henry Poole &amp; Co. in 1860. Other histories pinpoint the tux's introduction to a natty gent who, frustrated by tails that interfered with his dancing, wore a tailless dress coat to New York's Tuxedo Park resort's Autumn Ball in 1886.

If you favor the latter account - let's go ahead and go with the American version - the tuxedo would mark its 125th anniversary this fall. A fine moment in sartorial history, indeed. Let's mark the occasion by tipping our hat to the tux - by far the most dashing apparel in a man's wardrobe.

But there's the rub: Most guys rent. Isn't it about time you owned your own tux? It's an investment that will keep giving, says men's fashion arbiter Tom Julian, author of Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style and Nordstrom Guide to Men's Everyday Dressing A good, single-breasted tux "is the best investment to make," said Julian, president of the brand-consulting firm Tom Julian Group.

»When choosing a tux, look for trousers (never cuffed) that are slimmer and sport a higher waist than normal suit pants, which offers a proportion better suited for a tux jacket, formal shirt and cummerbund.

»Stay away from synthetic materials - go with Super 100 wools.

»Tux details can include stripes and braids on trousers and satin on lapels. Satin, with its subtle sheen, is a traditional choice for an accent fabric. Grosgrain pants stripes are quite natty.

»Wing-collar shirts are best with a bow tie; lie-down collars are best with a solid silk necktie.